Husband and wife team Jaclyn Holsey and Shawn Goudie share creative theatrical duties at American Blues Theater in Chicago. But they are also a great kitchen duo.
Holsey usually handles the dinner duty while Goudie considers himself the "breakfast man."
The couple are currently working on "It's a Wonderful Life! Live at the Biograph!" Holsey is the theater's general manager and resident stage manager while Goudie works as a Foley artist. In "It's a Wonderful Life! Live at the Biograph," Foley artists provide the sounds and special effects of the show that's done in a radio-style format. The production runs through Dec. 30. FYI: (773) 871-3000 or americanbluestheater.com.
Goudie said among his breakfast specialties are omelets, pizza waffles and other egg dishes.
Holsey's favorites include a Thai chicken dish, tater tot casserole and baked goods including the special chocolate chip cookies she makes to give to audience members after each "It's a Wonderful Life!" show.
"My mom was my teacher and mentor," Holsey said, about learning to cook. Among the lessons she taught her were to "make (recipes) up as you go along" and don't be afraid to experiment. She also considers Julia Child an inspiration.
"I liked her sense of experimentation and her relaxed attitude," she said.
Goudie adds: "I admire anybody that makes anything look tasty." He said Chef Jeff from the Food Network is a particular favorite.
When it comes to enjoying ethnic foods, the couple said they like a variety of dishes. Holsey's favorite is Indian.
"It's Mexican for me," said Goudie.
Holsey, who said their work schedules in the theater sometimes get in the way of making regular meals butid she's always looking for interesting dishes to create.
'I've discovered the wonders of Crock Pot cooking," she said.
The couple like the fact that after every show this holiday season, they and the entire cast have gotten to mingle with the audience while sharing the special cookies as well as giving attendees the opportunity to walk around the set, and learn Foley lessons on how to create the radio sound effects.
Need another cookie recipe this season? Try your hand at Holsey's creation. She said they're easy to make and are a great treat for not only the holidays but any time of year.
"This is like a traditional chocolate chip cookie except for the addition of cream cheese and baking for slightly less time. The cream cheese keeps the cookies very moist for a long time – pop in the microwave for that ‘fresh out of the oven’ experience," she said.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, cream cheese, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until (light) golden brown.
Source: Jaclyn Holsey
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